Macklemore‬ to donate Same Love Australian proceeds to 'yes' campaign

US rapper Macklemore has indicated he will donate his Australian earnings from his hit song Same Love to the "yes" campaign in the same-sex marriage survey.

The star has found himself at the centre of the country's gay marriage debate after a backlash from conservative commentators who are unhappy he will perform the marriage equality anthem at Sunday's rugby league grand final in Sydney.

The singer arrived in Sydney on Saturday morning after a delayed departure from the US, before announcing his intentions.

Speaking to Channel Nine, Macklemore spoke about the power of music to bring a message to a wider audience and help effect change.

"[Using music to that end] is not to divide people, but create an environment where people can start a debate, can have a conversation - bring a message to the forefront," he said.

While the funding arrangement has not been formally worked out, he said the idea to donate to the "yes" campaign came to him in the car on the way to the media opportunity on Saturday.

"I haven't figured it out yet but I ... want to donate my portion of the proceeds from Same Love that I get off of that record here in Australia to voting yes."

Equality campaign co-leader Alex Greenwich said the financial support came at the critical halfway point in the debate.

"Macklemore's support and indeed his Same Love song continues to inspire and energise our campaign and we thank him for this generous support," he told AAP.

Australians were becoming increasingly tired of the negativity from the "no" campaign, Mr Greenwich added.

Macklemore at his sound check rehearsal: NRL Photos

"I think we need more love songs, not less," he said.

"Same Love is a song which is about love and happiness and I think that's what Australians want to hear."

Macklemore has been pulled into the national marriage equality debate after it became known he would be performing the pro-marriage equality track at the NRL grand final.

An online petition started by former player Tony Wall to halt the half-time performance had been backed by former prime minister Tony Abbott, who tweeted that "Footy fans shouldn't be subjected to a politicised grand final. Sport is sport!"